In the past two decades, the United Nations (UN) has been assisted in peace-making, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts by regional organizations.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recently recognized the role of these regional organizations,

describing their engagement in the peace promotion efforts as stronger and more active than ever.

Addressing a Security Council debate on the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, Secretary General Ban said the UN's partnerships include deploying a peacekeeping force and holding political mediations for the war-ravaged Darfur region of Sudan with the African Union (AU), while working closely with the European Union (EU) to protect civilians in neighboring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Also this year, the UN worked with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding Myanmar; collaborated with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support elections in that region; partnered with the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide assistance to Haiti during its elections; and regularly consulted with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and League of Arab States.

This kind of cooperation, in the words of Secretary General Ban is "delivering results on the ground as well as lessons for the future," and also provides "a better understanding of our respective strengths and advantages. …

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